What is the legal document called that conveys title to or an interest in real estate?

The correct answer, which identifies the legal document that conveys title to or an interest in real estate, is a deed. A deed is a formal legal instrument that transfers ownership of property from one party to another. It typically includes essential details such as the names of the grantor (the seller) and the grantee (the buyer), the description of the property, and the intent to convey ownership.

This distinction is important in real estate transactions as a deed serves to provide public notice of the ownership and may be recorded in county records to ensure that it is legally recognized.

In contrast, a lease is a contract that allows a tenant to occupy a property for a specified period but does not convey ownership; it merely grants the right to use the property. A mortgage is a security interest in real estate that secures a loan for purchasing property, while a bill of sale transfers personal property but does not apply to real estate transactions. Each of these documents serves a different purpose in the realm of property law, with the deed being the primary document for transferring title to real estate.